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Thank God for You Tube! Like a junkie getting a fix, I’ve been using spare moments to watch as many Spring/Summer collections as possible. I’ve viewed shows from New York, Milan, Copenhagen, and am about to check out London’s Fashion Week (how much do I WISH I could attend one of these shows!).

Here’s what I’m predicting to be big trends next year:

1. Designer kicks with dresses & skirts.

This is a look that can go horribly wrong, if not approached just right. I can imagine Tim Gunn groaning at the thought of women wearing athletic shoes with a skirt, but if the shoes are not what you wear to work out, and the dress or skirt has a sporty vibe, it can work. The trend began last year with Dior and Chanel’s shows, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down.

Observe:

Chanel 2014.

From the Burberry SS 15 show.

2. Sheer layering.

I think I saw at least two looks in each collection so far that included sheer layers of gauze or chiffon. Of course this means more clothes we can’t put into the washer/dryer, but they sure are pretty. I could do without the see through tops without anything underneath -who is really going to go around that way? Ha! But I love the touches of sheer on a sleeve, or panels on a skirt.

Left to right: Toga, Joseph and Barbara Casasola. (Photo by Harper’s Bazaar)

3. White Out.

Get your bleach and/or Woolite ready, because white is the HOT shade for next spring! From casual chic to glam, white was everywhere.

(Image by Pop Sugar.com)

4. Midi skirts.

This trend continues to be strong at several shows, and is being shown mostly with flats or platform sandals. I think this is one of the most flattering looks for most shapes and sizes.

Victoria Beckham.

5. Jumpsuits.

I became a believer this season in the jumpsuit, and many designers decided to elevate the look by trying more luxe fabrics. Here, Escada adds some pizazz and makes this jumpsuit more of a night look:

It’s Labor Day! In the U.S., it means a day off (for some lucky people!) and a chance to have some last minute summer fun.

It’s also a new month, and it means A NEW GIVEAWAY!

but more about that later….:)

Labor Day also means SHOPPING DEALS! Woo-hoo!

I recently got some sweet swag in the mail from Deb Shops and Modcloth, and the timing was perfect to wear my new fun things to a wine tasting! That’s one of many great things in Germany; the abundance of vineyards and all the tasting of delicious wine!

Bonjourno! The Hubby and I are home now in Germany, safe and sound, with a TON of pictures! I’m going to spread out my tales of Italy over several posts with fashion musings mixed in, so I hope you will enjoy!

In St. Peter’s Square.

We arrived in Rome around 10 p.m., and the first impression was not great. The area where our train stopped looked sketchy; a LOT of graffiti on buildings, dark streets, and the rain didn’t help matters, either! I would learn later that unfortunately, Rome has a lot of graffiti. However, Italians are very friendly people and many of them speak good English. Thanks to a helpful waiter in a café we stumbled into, we were pointed in the right direction and found our B & B.

A tour of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square began our first full day. I cannot say this enough; GO TO THE VATICAN IF YOU EVER GET THE OPPORTUNITY. For one thing, you are visiting a separate state within the city of Rome ( you can buy post cards and send them from the Vatican’s post office!), and the artwork is absolutely STUNNING. If you do visit Italy, book tours with Dark Rome. You’ll get an excellent guide, and a lot of bang for your buck.

Entrance to the Vatican.

Just one of the hundreds of frescos!

My neck became sore by constantly looking up to see the genius works by Michaelangelo and Raphael.

I cannot really fully describe what it was like to see the Sistine Chapel. Absolutely no photos were allowed, and what I’ll call “professional shush-ers” stood on the edges of the area to keep people quiet (it is considered a church, after all). But looking up and ACTUALLY SEEING “The Creation of Adam” got me emotional. Just unbelievably beautiful!

Since we had a full day of seeing sights, I kept my look comfy and light. My new tunic from American Rag (available through Macy’s), leggings from Forever 21 Plus, and comfy sneaks did the trick. I wore my new rings from A Wild Violet, an Etsy store that does custom work. Check out the Michigan midi ring!

I got the Michigan and crown ring BOTH for just $23.00! The owners often offer discount codes, so be sure to check them out!

Gotta keep it simple for all the walking! My JustFab bag held EVERYTHING I needed for the day!